ABOUT US

How we began, Our Logo, CMIM’s 4 Pillars

1. How we began

In November 2015, Japanese churches hosted the 3rd International Conference on Minority Issues and Mission, with support and participation from partner churches of several nations.
Conference participants affirmed the need for deeper coordination among Christians to overcome the spread of intolerance and discrimination against minorities in Japan and other places around the world, and vowed to work for reconciliation and harmonious coexistence of all people.

Soon after the conference the churches of Japan began preparations for the Center for Minority Issues and Mission in Japan (CMIM).
Receiving much encouragement and support also from ecumenical partners abroad, CMIM celebrated its opening in April 2017.

2. Our Logo

CMIM’s logo consists of several circles and a leaf. Outermost is the circle of words, Center for Minority Issues and Mission, which surround a barbed ring, Jesus’ crown of thorns. Within this we find the concentric rings of a tree that has been cut, and from this stump a single leaf sprouts. This is the “stump of Jesse.”
The crown of thorns represents Jesus’ suffering for our sins—here think of dehumanization, segregation, mockery and indifference toward minorities—and his promise to suffer and stand with society’s excluded, despised and forgotten.
Jesse’s stump comes from Isaiah 11:1, which reads, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” Aside from the allusion to, or prophesy of, Jesus birth from the house of Jesse, this verse tells of God’s promise of recovery and life, even after tragic loss and deep sorrow.

Isaiah 11 is also where we find this beloved vision of God’s reign:

6 The wolf shall live with the lamb,

the leopard shall lie down with the kid,

the calf and the lion and the fatling together,

and a little child shall lead them.

7 The cow and the bear shall graze,

their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,

and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.

9 They will not hurt or destroy

on all my holy mountain;

for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea.

We acknowledge with thanks Mr. Masahiro MATSUBARA for his design of the CMIM logo.

2. CMIM’s 4 Pillars

（A）Struggle Against Racism

Host “roundtable” meetings, where representatives of diverse minority groups can share stories, discuss challenges and plan common actions that point toward inclusivity.

② International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21st)

Coordinate with churches and other groups in Japan activities that celebrate and promote the UN-designated International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

③ Solidarity with churches overseas

Learn from and work with churches engaged in mission with minorities; for example, aboriginal peoples in Taiwan, Australia or Canada, immigrants, migrants and other discriminated groups in the U.S., Germany or India.

Advocate, toward government and legislators of Japan, enactment of laws to protect human rights of minorities, such as a “Basic Law for the Elimination of Racism,” or “Basic Law for Non-Japanese Residents.” Contribute to NGO reports toward international human rights institutions, and welcome monitors, like the UN Special Rapporteur, during official country visit/study.

（B）Youth Programs

Plan and implement multi-day programs that feature field study and workshops in places like Osaka, Hokkaido and Okinawa, where minority communities still confront challenges.

② “Youth and Mission” Working Group

An ecumenical committee of young people will meet to plan Youth Forum and other activities. This will also serve as a place for the exchange of information about programs and events of interest in Japan and abroad.

（C）Spirituality of Reconciliation and Peace

➀ Bible Study Forum

Contribute to the build-up of a learning network among Christians by providing a place for the exchange of views on Biblical interpretation, theology, Christian education and mission work relate to minority issues. These discussions will be shared further at conferences, etc. through articles, Bible studies, or workshops.

② Joint Festival

Plan and implement a collaborative festival, which will utilize fruits of the Bible Study Forum, while also celebrating multi-ethnic, multi-cultural inclusivity through prayer, dance, drama, gospel music and worship.